title: Pediatric urolithiasis in Tunisia: a multi-centric study of 525 patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate retrospectively the clinical and epidemiological characteristics, and method of treatment of childhood urolithiasis, a major urological problem in Tunisia.
  
  
  METHODS
  The records of 525 children with urolithiasis treated in Tunisia between 1990 and 2004 were reviewed in a multi-centric study with regard to age at diagnosis, sex, history, and physical, laboratory, and radiologic findings. Metabolic evaluation when performed included serum electrolytes, calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, 24-h urine collection for calcium and creatinine, and a sodium nitroprusside test for cystine. In all cases urine specimens were sent for culture.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The stone was located in the upper tract in 420 (80%) and lower tract in 105 children. Of the urine cultures, 40% were positive. Metabolic investigation was performed in 201 patients and was normal in 170 (84%). Urinary stasis secondary to a urinary tract anomaly that led to the formation of stones was found in 77 patients. Stones were treated by surgery (80%), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) (5%) and ureteroscopic extraction (4%), and percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed in 10 patients (2%). The stone passed spontaneously in 9% of cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of ESWL and endourological methods of treatment for childhood urolithiasis must be generalized, with open surgery being reserved for particular and complex cases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. jallouli75@yahoo.fr
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authors.lastname: Jallouli
authors.forename: R
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authors.lastname: Jouini
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authors.lastname: Sayed
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authors.lastname: Chaouachi
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authors.lastname: Houissa
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authors.lastname: Ayed
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authors.lastname: Jemni
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authors.lastname: Mhiri
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authors.lastname: Najjar
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authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mhiri
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authors.lastname: Nouri